Healthy Dental Habits to Practice During Pregnancy

Being pregnant comes with many responsibilities—and the way you care for your teeth is no exception. For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but let your dental office know what month you are in when you make your appointment. If yours is a high-risk pregnancy or you have some other medical condition, your dentist and your physician may recommend that treatment be postponed. Be sure to let your dentist know if there is any change in the medications you take or if you have received any special advice from your physician. The benefits of receiving dental care during pregnancy far outweigh potential risks. Be sure to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your mouth such as swelling, redness or bleeding. 

7 tips for maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy: 

• Brush thoroughly with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice a day. 
• Floss between your teeth daily. 
• Purchase products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. 
• Eat a balanced diet. If you snack, do so in moderation. 
• Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up. 
• If you need help controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend rinsing at night with an antimicrobial mouth rinse. 
• If you have morning sickness and are vomiting frequently, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to stop stomach acid from attacking your teeth.

To read the entire article visit  mouthhealthy.org   

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you have been experiencing problems with a tooth, you may wonder, "Do I need a root canal?" Root canals, also known as endodontic therapy, are performed when the nerve or pulp of the tooth becomes infected and inflammed due to dental decay, a cracked or broken tooth or an injury to the tooth, according to the American Dental Association. During the procedure, a dentist uses a drill to remove both the nerve and pulp and seals up the tooth to protect against further damage. Only your dentist or a dental specialist called an endodontist, can determine whether a root canal will adequately treat your problem. Here are a few possible symptoms of the need for a root canal and some steps for dealing with them.

General Possible Symptoms
The most common symptom that may indicate the need for a root canal is tooth pain, according to the American Association of Endodontists. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe; it may lessen or intensify throughout the day, or it may get worse only when you bite down on the tooth. Some patients experience prolonged sensitivity to hot food or liquids. Your gums may also feel tender and swollen near the problem area.

First Steps
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Explain your symptoms by phone to a staff member, who may arrange for you to come in right away or may recommend emergency care depending on the severity of your symptoms. To soothe the pain and alleviate swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw. 

To read the entire article written by Rebecca Desfosse, please visit Colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

When Surgical Extraction of Teeth is Necessary

You want to keep your teeth for a lifetime, but circumstances can arise that prompt your dentist to recommend removing a tooth for the good of your dental health. And although many of your teeth are easily removable, it's occasionally more complicated, and requires a more involved procedure. Here's why the surgical extraction of teeth may become necessary, and how your dentist differentiates these procedures from others.

Why Can't a Tooth be Saved?
The American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site suggests teeth are usually removed due to trauma, disease or crowding. When a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling or a crown because of an accident or extensive decay, an extraction may be your best recourse. Teeth that aren't supported by enough bone due to periodontal disease are also candidates for removal, according to Warren Dentistry, necessitating the use of a gum-protecting toothpaste like Colgate TotalÆ Clean Mint following extraction. Infected (abscessed) teeth that don't respond to root canal treatment may need to be taken out, as well.

Keep in mind it's not unusual for an orthodontist to recommend an extraction or two before orthodontic treatment begins because of crowed teeth. Similarly, wisdom teeth are frequently extracted because of the awkward position in which they grow behind your molars.

To read the entire article written by Donna Pleis, please visit Colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Like Parent, Like Child: Good Oral Health Starts at Home

Parents are a child's first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining his or her overall health. Providing oral health education to mothers and families is essential to teaching children healthy habits and preventing early childhood tooth decay, according to an article published in the May/June 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

With all of the challenges that new parents face, they may not think much about the link between their child's oral health and overall health. In fact, an understanding of oral hygiene can help parents to prevent tooth decayóthe single most common chronic childhood disease in Americaóand to create a lifetime of healthy habits for their child.

"Ideally, the oral health education for any family will begin with prenatal education and the establishment of a dental home by the time the child is 12 to 18 months of age," says Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, author of the study. "Many people don't realize that the oral health of the mother affects both the infant's future oral health and the child's overall health. In fact, some studies show that periodontal disease has been linked to preterm labor. That's why pregnant women should be evaluated for cavities, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, loose teeth and diet."

After the child is born, families should become familiar with their child's dental and oral health milestones, which will be determined by discussion with the family dentist or a pediatric dentist. Children should have their first dental visit at age 1 or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. A dentist will be able to discuss when parents can expect to see a child's first tooth and the best technique for brushing his or her new teeth.

Diet is another factor that affects a child's oral health. Frequent and long-term exposure to liquids that contain sugars commonly results in tooth decay. In addition to eliminating sugary drinks altogether from a child's diet, parents can adopt other habits to prevent tooth decay due to beverage consumption.

"Parents should avoid giving their children milk, formula, juice or soda at naptime or nighttime," says Bruce DeGinder, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the AGD. "The sugars will linger on their teeth and gums for a prolonged period of time, promoting decay."

Parents are responsible for their child's oral hygiene practices and are advised to meet with a general dentist to determine the best way to establish and maintain their child's oral health. A general dentist also can provide families with oral health literature that is designed to educate both the parent and child. This education has multiple benefits; as Dr. Brickhouse notes, "Healthy teeth in early childhood can provide a positive self-image and improve the child's quality of life."

To read the entire article please visit KnowYourTeeth.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Four Different Types of Teeth Plus More

Most of us know how important it is to look after our teeth, but do you know what the different types of teeth are and how we use them? Teeth don't just help you bite and chew; they play an important role in speaking and support many aspects of your facial structure. There are four kinds of teeth in your mouth, according to Everyday Health, and each performs a slightly different function. Then there are three rarer formations that can occur in a growing jaw.

Incisors
At the front of the mouth are eight thin, straight teeth called incisors - four at the top and four at the bottom - which bite into the food you eat and help you pronounce words as you you speak. Incisors also support the lips.

To read the entire article by Jenny Green, please visit Colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Parts of the Mouth and Their Functions

The mouth, or oral cavity, is made up of numerous components that work together so that you can breathe, speak, eat and digest food. When you understand these parts of the mouth and how they affect your general health, the significance of oral care takes on a whole new meaning. Here's what these things do for you.

Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks are made up of muscles that not only give you the ability to pucker up for a kiss, but also help shape your facial expressions - both happy and sad. Lips let air into your mouth for breathing and, together with cheeks, help you speak. They also keep food and saliva in your mouth while chewing. Ultimately, these strong muscles guide and keep your teeth in their proper positions.

To read the entire article by Donna Pleis, please visit Colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

6 MouthHealthy Holiday Snacks (That Are Almost Too Cute to Eat) (3 of 3)

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.

Pita Tree Appetizers

The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth.
Get the recipe >> 

Grinch Poppers
 












Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana. 
Get the recipe >>

To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

6 MouthHealthy Holiday Snacks (That Are Almost Too Cute to Eat) (2 of 3)

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.

Black Olive Penguins

These penguins will waddle their way into your heart - especially because they’re filled with cream cheese, which has calcium. 
Get the recipe >>

Cheesy Reindeer

Rich in calcium, cheese is always a MouthHealthy favorite. To get perfectly round eyes and noses, the author of this recipe used a juice box-sized straw to cut round pieces of black olive and a larger straw for the red pepper nose.
Get the recipe >> 

To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

6 MouthHealthy Holiday Snacks (That Are Almost Too Cute to Eat) (1 of 3)

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.

Egg Snowmen

These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush.
Get the recipe >> 

Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees

You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!) 
Get the recipe >> 

To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Kids' Healthy Teeth During the Holidays

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Elizabeth SanFilippo

Chances are good that visions of cookies, desserts and candy canes may be dancing in your children's heads this holiday season. While you will do what you can to limit their intake of these sugary treats, your kids will probably be eating their fair share of sugar at your family holiday parties. Despite their consumption of sugar, there are ways to keep your kids' healthy teeth and gums in shape and to minimize damage to their dental health.

Why Is Sugar Bad for Dental Health?
Whether your kids are eating chocolate cake, sugar cookies or peppermint candy, they are ingesting sugar. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar, and the byproduct is acid. This acid can eat away at tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. The more time teeth spend exposed to sugar, the higher the risk that your children will face dental health problems. Hard candies, and sticky candies such as taffy and caramel, can be worse for teeth than other treats such as cake and cookies.

Brush after Eating a Sugary Treat
In general, the ADA recommends that everyone brush their teeth and gums at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing should also be done at least once a day. During the holidays, encourage your kids to brush and floss even more than this, particularly right after they finish dessert. If a toothbrush is not handy, the next best thing to do is rinse. Encourage your kids to rinse their mouths with water - not soda or even sparkling grape juice ó which will help wash away sugar, acids and any other food that may be stuck to their teeth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Limit Sugar Time
• Make Dessert a Part of the Meal
• Make Toothbrushing Fun
• Schedule a Dentist Visit

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Sensitive Teeth During Pregnancy: What To Expect And How To Cope

With pregnancy, discomfort comes with the territory. Your body is changing, so a sore back or trouble getting comfortable is par for the course. But while you're piling up pillows to help you sleep at night, you might notice another source of pregnancy discomfort: Your teeth. Sensitive teeth during pregnancy can happen to expecting mothers, and knowing that other pregnant women suffer from the same symptoms might be somewhat comforting.

Nonetheless, here's what may be causing your sore teeth and gums, and how to deal with the pain safely:

Pregnancy Changes

Each of the hormonal changes happening in your body are equally the biggest culprits in tooth and gum pain during pregnancy. From increased blood flow to hyperactive hormones, pregnancy takes its toll. The most common causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy include:

• Hormones. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), pregnancy hormones can actually affect the way your body responds to bacteria, which can lead to periodontal infection and – you guessed it – sore teeth and gums.
• Increased blood flow. Your body is working overtime to support both you and your little one, which results in increased blood flow in the body. This increased blood flow can create sensitive, swollen gums that are tender to the touch. Hot and cold foods can therefore trigger that sensitivity, even if you've never experienced it before.
• Gum disease. Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease, which can also be a catalyst for preterm labor, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine. Of course, bleeding, sore and infected gums can definitely lead to a sore mouth and plenty of discomfort.

How to Respond

Although pregnancy can limit some of the medicinal intervention often used to treat sore teeth and gums, with some extra care and attention, you can keep your smile healthy during your prenatal nine months. Maintaining all the great hygiene habits you've used up to this point will keep you healthy and pain-free, so don't forget to give your mouth a little TLC, too. Here are four things you can do for your sensitive teeth during pregnancy:

1. Choose a soft-bristled brush. Sensitive teeth require a sensitive touch, suggests the March of Dimes. A soft-bristled brush, like the Colgate® SlimSoft™, cleans between and around teeth both thoroughly and gently to reduce soreness and bleeding gums into the future.
2. Take note of the foods that trigger sensitivity. Have you experienced a toothache while drinking tea? Do you find that ice cream puts you in pain? It's best to avoid these "trigger foods." In most cases, according to the APA, sensitivity in the gums goes away after pregnancy, so any subsequent tenderness in your teeth should subside as well, allowing you to indulge in hot and cold foods again in the near future.
3. Eat fewer sweets. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to cavities and soreness. If possible, reduce the amount of sweets you're consuming. If you must indulge, have a treat and then follow up by brushing to remove this fresh debris from your mouth.
4. See your dentist. Don't use pregnancy as an excuse to avoid your regular checkup, which keeps your smile healthy even when you're expecting. Just make sure to remind your dentist that you are pregnant, so proper precautions can be taken (like forgoing certain types of x-rays).

It's true that pregnancy means a period of change, especially for your body. But you don't need to endure oral discomfort. Talk to your OB/GYN for safe pain medication suggestions and to ensure that your sensitive teeth don't make for an unpleasant nine months. With consistent professional guidance and personal care, you'll be able to enjoy your pregnancy without worrying about the dental side-effects.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Symptoms & Treatments During Pregnancy

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Between 60% & 70% of women experience gingivitis while pregnant. Pregnancy gingivitis is very similar to the gingivitis that occurs outside of pregnancy, and can include a mild inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, with red and sore gums that bleed when probed. If you have red, sensitive, or swollen gums during pregnancy, you’re not alone.

Pregnancy Gingivitis Causes

There’s a direct connection between pregnancy and bleeding gums. During pregnancy, increased levels of the hormone, progesterone, cause an increased response to plaque bacteria which can lead to gingivitis. As a result, pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis. Don’t worry though, knowing how to find the best anti-gingivitis toothpaste and best anti-gingivitis mouthwash will help fight off this disease during a time when the health of you and your baby are your top priority. Talking to your dentist and hygienist about this elevated risk before and during this special time in your life can also help reverse or prevent gingivitis.

 Pregnancy Gingivitis Symptoms

You’ve got a lot going on when you’re pregnant, so your oral health may not exactly be top-of-mind. But because your risk of gingivitis increases, it’s as important as ever to maintain the health of your gums and teeth. Be aware of key signs and symptoms of gingivitis, like red, swollen gums or gums that bleed when you brush.

 Pregnancy Gingivitis Treatments and Prevention

Here are some important things to remember to prevent or treat gingivitis while you’re pregnant:

• Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste. Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean, helps reverse early signs of gum damage by neutralizing the plaque bacteria build up around your gum line. Ask your dentist if they think you should start using it before, during and after pregnancy to maintain overall oral health.
• Use an anti-gingivitis mouthwash. Crest® PRO-HEALTH® Multi-Protection Mouthwash, kills 99% of the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
• Floss at least once a day. Oral-B Glide® PRO-HEALTH® Clinical Protection Floss, slides easily between teeth and below the gum-line to remove gingivitis-causing plaque.
• Be sure to fully remove plaque. You may be missing the plaque found around the gum line, even if the plaque on your teeth has been removed. Pay special attention to these areas and consider for a toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean that can reach plaque around the gum line. The key to a healthy mouth is proper gum care.
• Tell your hygienist and dentist if you’re pregnant. They may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to help you avoid gingivitis.
• You may want to consider the breakthrough daily 2-step system, Crest Gum Detoxify + Whitening, which provides gingivitis protection, in addition to noticeable whitening benefits*—so your smile will be beaming, just like you!

If you're pregnant or pregnancy is on your horizon, see your dental professional to evaluate your dental health for any treatment needed prior to and during your pregnancy. With periodontal care included in your pregnancy plan, you can help reduce the risk of developing gingivitis during pregnancy. 

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200
SolaceDental.com